A simple ligandless microextraction method based on ionic liquid for the determination of trace cadmium in water and biological samples

A simple and efficient ionic liquid-based ligandless microextraction method has been developed for preconcentration of cadmium ions (Cd²⁺) as a step prior to its determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) with a micro-sample introduction system. In this approach, the ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [C₄mim][PF₆] and ethanol were used as extractant and dispersive solvents to preconcentrate the Cd²⁺ in different waters, acid digested scalp hair, and nail samples. Some analytical parameters influencing the extraction efficiency of Cd²⁺ and its subsequent determination, including pH, IL volume, dispersant solvent volume, sample volume, temperature, incubation time, and matrix effect, were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), and enhancement factor (EF) were 0.4 μg L^?1, 1.3 μg L^?1, and 50, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of 100 μgL^?1 Cd²⁺ was 4.3% (n = 6). The validity of the proposed method was checked by determining Cd²⁺ in certified reference material (TM-25.3 fortified water) and standard addition; the results showed sufficient recovery (>98%) of Cd²⁺ within the certified value. The method was applied for preconcentration and determination of cadmium in waters and biological samples.     

Subacute effects of a phosphorothionate pesticide on mixed function oxidases of wistar rats

Abstract

Subacute oral toxicity of a newly developed phosphorothionate insecticide (2‐butenoic acid‐3‐(diethoxy‐phosphinothioyl) methyl ester), coded as RPR‐2, was studied in male rats by oral (multiple) intubation of low (0.014 mg kg^‐1 day^‐1), medium (0.028 mg kg^‐1 day^‐1), and high (0.042 mg kg^‐1 day^‐1) dose for 90 days. The medium and high dose produced toxic symptoms along‐with some mortality (20%) occurred in the high dose treated rats. The medium and high doses caused significant inhibition in cytochrome P‐450 activity in liver, lung, kidney and brain tissues at 45 and 90 days. The high dose caused significant decrease in cyt.b₅ activity of all the four tissues at 45 and 90 days. Whereas, medium dose brought such effect in liver and lung at 45 and 90 days. Kidney and brain cyt.b₅ activity decreased significantly at 90^th day due to medium dose. Low dose also caused inhibition in cyt.b₅ activity in brain at 90^th day. Cytochrome P‐450 reductase activity was decreased significantly in liver, lung, kidney and brain at 45 and 90^th by the medium and high dose. The results indicated that RPR‐2 had potential to modulate hepatic and extra‐hepatic cyt.P‐450 dependent monooxygenase system of rat due to subacute exposure. These metabolic alterations were quite reversible after 28 days withdrawal of treatment.     

Acute toxicity of copper sulphate to fresh water prawns

Fresh water prawns, Macrobrachium lamarrei and Macrobrachium dayanum (Crustacea-Decapoda) were subjected to static bioassay tests to ascertain the LC50 values of copper sulphate. The 24, 48, 72 and 96 hr LC50 values of copper sulphate for M. lamarrei were 0.38, 0.361, 0.343 and 0.300 mg/l and for M. dayanum were 1.634, 0.988, 0.532 and 0.418 mg/l respectively. Behavioral responses and LC50 values indicate that M. lamarrei were more sensitive to copper sulphate than M. dayanum.     

Recent advances in SO2, NOx, and O3 personal monitoring

Since the air pollution as measured by stationary monitoring stations is a poor indicator of the population exposure, personal monitors are indispensible to health effects studies. This article reviews the current research on the development of personal monitors. Although most of the analytical methods reviewed in this study appear to be sensitive to the levels of the target pollutants NO₂, SO₂, and O₃ generally encountered in indoor and outdoor air, they lack the desired performance characteristics for a personal monitoring device, such as user safety and ease of operation, weight, and maintenance. Electrochemical transducers/sensors, which have not yet been exploited, are attractive candidates for the application to personal monitoring. This technique has an added feature of generating real-time measurements. A few research models and commercially attractive devices that can be used in field studies are included.     

In vitro metabolism of deltamethrin by stem and leaf homogenates of tobacco plants

Stem and leaf homogenates from tobacco plants metabolised deltamethrin by oxidative and hydrolytic actions on the insecticide. Although a major portion of deltamethrin remained unchanged, metabolites such as 3-phenoxybenzaldehyde, 3-phenoxybenzoic acid and 3-(2,2-dibromonyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid were formed. The data suggest a major portion of the insecticide would remain unchanged when absorbed by tobacco plants.     

Estimation and comparison of night-time OH levels in the UK urban atmosphere using two different analysis methods

Night-time OH levels have been determined for UK urban surface environments using two methods,the decay and steady state approximation methods.Measurement data from the UK National Environmental Technology Centre archive for four urban sites(Bristol,Harwell,London Eltham and Edinburgh) over the time period of 1996 to 2000 have been used in this study.Three reactive alkenes,namely isoprene,1,3-butadiene and trans-2-pentene were chosen for the calculation of OH levels by the decay method.Hourly measurements o...     

Nitrogen oxides emission control options for coal-fired electric utility boilers

Recent regulations have required reductions in emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from electric utility boilers. To comply with these regulatory requirements, it is increasingly important to implement state-of-the-art NOx control technologies on coal-fired utility boilers. This paper reviews NOx control options for these boilers. It discusses the established commercial primary and secondary control technologies and examines what is being done to use them more effectively. Furthermore, the paper discusses recent developments in NOx controls. The popular primary control technologies in use in the United States are low-NOx burners and overfire air. Data reflect that average NOx reductions for specific primary controls have ranged from 35% to 63% from 1995 emissions levels. The secondary NOx control technologies applied on U.S. coal-fired utility boilers include reburning, selective noncatalytic reduction (SNCR), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR). Thirty-six U.S. coal-fired utility boilers have installed SNCR, and reported NOx reductions achieved at these applications ranged from 15% to 66%. Recently, SCR has been installed at >150 U.S. coal-fired utility boilers. Data on the performance of 20 SCR systems operating in the United States with low-NOx emissions reflect that in 2003, these units achieved NOx emission rates between 0.04 and 0.07 lb/10(6) Btu.     

Foliar uptake of arsenic nanoparticles by spinach: an assessment of physiological and human health risk implications

Atmospheric contamination by heavy metal(loid)–enriched particulate matter (metal-PM) is highly topical these days because of its high persistence, toxic nature, and health risks. Globally, foliar uptake of metal(loid)s occurs for vegetables/crops grown in the vicinity of industrial or urban areas with a metal-PM-contaminated atmosphere. The current study evaluated the foliar uptake of arsenic (As), accumulation of As in different plant organs, its toxicity (in terms of ROS generation, chlorophyll degradation, and lipid peroxidation), and its defensive mechanism (antioxidant enzymes) in spinach (Spinacia oleracea) after foliar application of As in the form of nanoparticles (As-NPs). The As-NPs were prepared using a chemical method. Results indicate that spinach can absorb As via foliar pathways (0.50 to 0.73 mg/kg in leaves) and can translocate it towards root tissues (0.35 to 0.68 mg/kg). However, health risk assessment parameters showed that the As level in the edible parts of spinach was below the critical limit (hazard quotient <?1). Despite low tissue level, As-NP exposure caused phytotoxicity in terms of a decrease in plant dry biomass (up to 84%) and pigment contents (up to 38%). Furthermore, several-fold higher activities of antioxidant enzymes were observed under metal stress than control. However, no significant variation was observed in the level of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), which can be its possible transformation to other forms of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It is proposed that As can be absorbed by spinach via foliar pathway and then disturbs the plant metabolism. Therefore, air quality needs to be considered and monitored continuously for the human health risk assessment and quality of vegetables cultivated on polluted soils (roadside and industrial vicinity).

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Immobilized cell augmented activated sludge process for enhanced nitrogen removal from wastewater.

The immobilized cell augmented activated sludge (ICAAS) system combines a cell immobilization technique and an offline enricher-reactor for the bioaugmentation of the activated sludge system to improve treatment performances. In this study, enhanced nitrogen removal using ICAAS was investigated. Laboratory-scale, offline, batch enricher-reactors were used to maintain nitrification and denitrification activities of coimmobilized nitrifiers and denitrifiers used to augment a laboratory-scale completely mixed activated sludge system (CMAS) treating synthetic wastewater. Cellulose triacetate was the media used to entrap nitrifiers and denitrifiers at a 2:1 mass ratio. The ICAAS augmented with the coimmobilized cells between 5 and 20% by volume gained 24 +/- 5% higher nitrogen removal than a control CMAS, which provided nitrogen removal of 28 +/- 7%. The ICAAS scheme is a viable alternative for upgrading existing activated sludge systems to gain better nitrogen removal. .